1939 R303-B Goudey Premium Complete SGC-Graded Set (24)

Issued in 1939 by Goudey Gum, and catalogued R303-B in the American Card Catalog, this large format (4-3/4 x 7-3/8 inches) set is printed on thin stock and was issued both in black and white, as well as sepia. Offered is an exceptional high-grade complete 24-card set, all of the black-and-white variety (the sepia variety is catalogued R303-A; and the black-and-white variety is catalogued R303-B; the two sets are otherwise identical), each graded and encapsulated by SGC. Goudey selected the greatest stars of the day (including DiMaggio, Feller, and Foxx!) for inclusion in this instructional set. The reverse of each features playing tips on the finer points of the game. Rarely does a set have such a high concentration of major stars. More than half the players featured are members of the Hall of Fame. In the following condition composite, cards are identified by the numbers provided by the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards checklist. SGC condition report: Two NM/MT 88: #3 and 16. One NM 84: #22 Vaughan. Four EX/NM 80: #9 Gomez, 15, 18 Lombardi, and 24. Seven EX 60: #1 Appling, 2, 4 Cronin, 5 Dickey, 14 Herman, 19, and 23. Five VG/EX 50: #10, 11 Gordon, 17, 20 Ott, and 21 Simmons. Four VG 40: #6 DiMaggio, 7 Feller, 8 Foxx, and 12 Greenberg. One GOOD 30: #13. This is a tremendous set of R303-B Goudey premiums, clean and crisp across the board, and it should be stressed that all have an Excellent or better appearance (those graded less than Ex have only an extremely minor flaw that is not immediately apparent, perhaps a tiny crease, and clearly have an appearance of Ex or better). This is a great-looking set! Goudey premiums have received relatively little attention from collectors compared to traditional gum cards of the era (in part because only in very recent years have the grading companies designed holders for cards of this size), and a case can easily be made that they represent one of the best values of all 1930s Goudey baseball issues. One of the most interesting, unusual, and overlooked sets ever issued by Goudey. Total 24 cards. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000+. SOLD FOR $2,233

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